How to make a cherry pie from Scratch?

Making a Cherry Pie from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Cherry pie is a classic dessert that has been a staple in many bakeries and households for centuries. The combination of sweet and tart cherries, flaky crust, and a hint of vanilla is a match made in heaven. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a cherry pie from scratch, from selecting the right ingredients to decorating the finished product.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make a cherry pie from scratch:

• For the Crust:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water

• For the Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

• Optional:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions:

Step 1: Make the Crust

To make the crust, you’ll need to combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

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Tips for Making the Crust:

• Make sure the butter is cold, as this will help the dough come together better.
• Use a light touch when mixing the dough, as you want to avoid overworking it.
• If using frozen cherries, thaw them first and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Roll Out the Crust

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to shape the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.

Tips for Rolling Out the Crust:

• Keep the dough cold, as this will help it hold its shape.
• Use a light touch when rolling out the dough, as you want to avoid stretching it too much.
• If the dough starts to stick to the surface, lightly dust it with flour.

Step 3: Fill the Crust

Place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges to fit. Fill the crust with the cherries, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Tips for Filling the Crust:

• Use a gentle touch when placing the cherries in the crust, as you don’t want to bruise them.
• Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed and not too crowded in the crust.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the cherries to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the dry ingredients.

Tips for Making the Filling:

• Use a gentle touch when tossing the cherries, as you don’t want to bruise them.
• Make sure the cherries are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Roll out the remaining dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut the dough into strips for a lattice-top crust.

Tips for Assembling the Pie:

• Use a light touch when rolling out the remaining dough, as you want to avoid stretching it too much.
• Place the strips on top of the filling, weaving them into a lattice pattern.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash (Optional)

If desired, brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) to give it a golden brown color.

Tips for Brushing with Egg Wash:

• Use a light touch when brushing the egg wash, as you want to avoid over-saturating the crust.
• Make sure the egg wash is evenly distributed over the top of the pie.

Step 7: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Tips for Baking the Pie:

• Use a pie shield or foil to prevent the crust from burning.
• Rotate the pie halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Cooling and Serving:

• Let the pie cool completely before serving, as this will help the filling set and the crust to firm up.
• Serve the pie at room temperature, as this will help the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

Making a cherry pie from scratch is a rewarding process that requires patience, persistence, and a bit of practice. With these instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and beautiful cherry pie that will impress your family and friends. Remember to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and flavor combinations. Happy baking!